The Holland Times March/April 2023

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5 2023 Provincial Council and regional water board elections

7 The Netherlands must invest in tech etherlands set to witness salary hike - boon for full-time workers or bane for small businesses?

9 Dutch digital payment and banking leaving people behind’ Paying by card only – is this the way to go?

11 etween a rock and hard place: msterdam city council and the Erotic Centre

Dances with Wolves in the Netherlands

13 Pediatric heart surgery to be available only in Rotterdam and Groningen Practical courses in care and technology grow in popularity 15 Education

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Contributors

Marla Thomson, Molly Fitz, Zuzanna Kuffel, James Turell, Nicole Bea Kerr, Priyanka Sharma, Tracey Martin, Juan Álvarez Umbarila, Parul Sachdeva, Femke van Iperen, Benjamin Roberts & Stephen Swai

Editor Roselaar Tekstadvies

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2023 Provincial Council and regional water board elections

(the BBB, BoerBurgerBeweging) in the northern and eastern provinces, and JA21 (a right-wing party that is a strong proponent for reining in the influx of immigrants and asylum seekers) are becoming increasingly popular. These are currently opposition parties to the national coalition in the Tweede Kamer. This means that if the smaller (opposition) parties win big in the provincial elections, they will have a larger representation in the Provinciale Staten and therefore a higher proportion of the votes for new senators in the Eerste Kamer. Even if the VVD wins big in the provinces, the rise of the smaller (opposition) parties could make Senate coalition creation very difficult. Throw in that the opposition leftist parties, the Green Party and the Labour Party, are considering a fusion in the Senate after the elections, and a VVD-led coalition in the Senate just got even more challenging.

The election of the regional water boards

Much less politically charged but just as vitally important, the election of the Dutch regional water boards will also take place on 15 March. The regional water boards are a unique governing entity in the Netherlands. They are not entirely part of the government, but not entirely separate. They work independently in some respects from other layers of government, but also work very close with them as well. The regional water boards are another aspect, but not a layer, of government.

On 15 March, Dutch voters will be heading to the polls to cast their votes for the governing bodies of the twelve Dutch provinces and the 21 regional water boards. Since 2014, the elections for the two separate governing bodies have been held on the same day. With rising sea levels, extreme weather and clean water initiatives at the forefront of people’s minds, a larger-than-normal voter turnout is expected.

What is the Provincial Council and why are the elections important?

On the national level, the citizens of the Netherlands are represented by the Tweede Kamer (literally, the Second Chamber, but more appropriately, the House of Representatives). The members of the Tweede Kamer are members of political parties and are elected by the citizens every four years. Being a multi-party system, the party with the most votes creates a coalition between other parties - usually with the same general political platform - in order to have a majority of seats to create and pass legislation.

The next layer of administrative governance in the Netherlands is the provincial level. Just like on the national level, the twelve provinces of the Netherlands each have their own governing body that is representative of the inhabitants of that province. The governing bodies are called the Provinciale Staten (which more or less translates to the Provincial Council). The members of the Provinciale Staten are elected every four years by the citizens of the province, and just like the national level, members belong to political parties and usually have to also form coalitions in order to govern.

What’s interesting on the lower levels is how the coalition at the national level might (will?) influence the provincial elections and the subsequent duties and tasks of the Provinciale Staten. And vice versa - how might (will?) the political parties and their results in provincial elections affect politics at the national level.

First and foremost, the Provinciale Staten oversees, manages and facilitates important daily aspects of life in the provinces in seven primary areas: economic stimulus, supervision of municipal finances, supervision of the regional water boards, traffic and transportation, nature and the environment, advancing the well-being and cultural activities of the province, and spatial planning and zoning approvals. In order to carry out these activities, the members of the Provinciale Staten

will appoint three to seven members (depending on the province and the size of its population) to the Provincial Executive. Each member of the Provincial Executive has their area of administration, such as finances, spatial planning or welfare. Compared to the national government, the Provincial Executive is equivalent to the cabinet of ministers.

The next most important duty of the Provinciale Staten is their election of the Senate (the Eerste Kamer) on the national level. Unlike other countries such as the United States, the members of the upper house of the bicameral governing system are not directly elected by the constituents. Rather, they are selected by the members of the Provinciale Staten - who are elected by the citizens of the provinces. And while the Senate of the Netherlands does not have the power to draft legislation, it does have the power to vote down legislation drafted by the Tweede Kamer, as all new laws must go through the Dutch Senate for approval.

This makes the provincial elections vitally important for Dutch citizens on both the local level - for the day-to-day governance of the province - and the national level - for the selection of the Senate in The Hague. Given that on the local level, people are likely to vote for the party that most aligns with their local concerns, this could also give smaller parties more representation in the Provinciale Staten, thus a higher representation in the Senate - which could throw off the power balance between political parties at the national level.

Some have even regarded the provincial elections as an indicator of how national elections will go, in the same way that early primaries in the US are used as indicators. Three times in the last twenty years, the provincial elections took place within a year after the national elections and gave political strategists insight into how the national elections were heading, giving them time to adjust their campaign strategies.

The selection of new senators for the Eerste Kamer is scheduled to be completed within three months after the elections for the Provincial Councils. In terms of how the current national coalition and government will influence the provincial elections, for this election experts and pollsters aren’t confident that the current national coalition of the VVD, D66, CDA and CU will hold power in many of the provinces. On the local level, smaller parties such as the Farmers’ Movement party

Not only their separate-but-integrated-with status with the government makes the Dutch regional water boards unique, but also the fact that they have been around in one form or another since the twelfth century, when a group of citizens near Utrecht formed a neighborhood committee to build and maintain dams around the waterways in the area. Since then, the management of water has grown and spread throughout the country to the present 21 water boards in the country.

The jurisdiction of the water boards does not necessarily correspond with the provincial borders and often encompasses parts of more than one province. For example, the Rijnland water board covers parts of North and South Holland, and the Rivierenland water board covers parts of South Holland, Gelderland, Utrecht and North Brabant. This means that water boards must work with more than one province, and the provinces themselves have to work together when it comes to water management.

Until 1992, the regional water boards were made up of officials appointed by city council members, special interest groups, business community members and representatives of housing development and homeowners. The new voting law in 1992 gave residents of each region voting rights for the first time. Voting was originally done by mail and in off years from the provincial and national elections. Since 2015, the water board elections have been held on the same day as the provincial elections. The main reason to do so was to increase the voter turnout for both elections, although this is still not high at about 55%. Still, with over one-quarter of the Netherlands lying below sea level, the water boards are extremely important. Therefore, it’s vitally important to vote for members of the board.

All residents of the Netherlands over the age of eighteen with valid residence permits are eligible to vote. This means you - the expat reading this! - are most likely also eligible to vote and have a say in the water management of the area where you live.

Other elections

For citizens of the Netherlands in the Caribbean, the Island Council elections are also taking place on 15 March. Residents of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba will cast their votes for each island’s council that will govern their respective islands as a “special municipality” within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Written by Marla Thomson

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The Netherlands must invest in tech

The two years of the Covid pandemic showed the world that technology is essential to keep the world going round. And while tech start-ups and scale-ups enjoyed rapid growth and healthy investments during the two years of the pandemic, last year’s investment wasn’t that optimistic, especially for companies in the Netherlands.

Let’s begin with the good news: according to the Global Start-up Ecosystem Report 2020, the Netherlands has risen from nineteenth to twelfth place in the ranking of global startup hubs. Measured by the total value of the ecosystem, the Netherlands is now in third place in Europe after Great Britain and Germany. This upward movement on the list is mainly due to 17 ‘unicorns’ including Mollie, Bunq and Adyen, produced by Dutch ecosystem. There are now 10,000 active tech start-ups in the Netherlands, responsible for about 100,000 jobs.

However, the invasion of Ukraine resulting in an energy crisis and uncertainty in the financial markets due the interest rate hikes wasn’t especially encouraging to investors and Dutch start-ups saw sharp decline in investments. According to Statistics Netherlands, investments in Dutch tech companies fell by more than half to €2.7 billion on a yearly basis.

Though the entire year saw many ups and downs, if we look at the whole year, the investment decline in Europe was limited to 17% as opposed to 37% in the United States. This may sound like good news; however, the Netherlands saw the largest investment decline in Europe in the third quarter with 54%.

While it might be argued that once the metaphorical geopolitical waters calm down, investments might return to the Dutch tech start-ups, that may be too late for many companies. Wait and hope for the best doesn’t seem like a wise plan either.

Instead, HRH Prince Constantijn, Special Envoy for Techleap.nl, is suggesting the government to pay more attention to the innovative tech companies and suggesting that the government could stimulate the flow of money for these types of companies with targeted tax benefits for investments in start-ups. “There is already more and more interest from successful entrepreneurs to invest part of their assets in new companies. If we make that more tax efficient, more money will go there,” says the Prince. He also suggested that the incredibly large pension fund of the Netherlands can be invested in invested in start-ups via a venture investment fund. “If only half a percent of that would go to start-ups, we would instantly have the ecosystem with the most funding in

Europe.” A little support to companies that emerge from universities could also result in their swift scale-up. This much is clear: Dutch tech start-ups have huge potential. If the recent developments in the tech world, including those in AI, are any indication, our reliance on tech is only going to keep increasing – the industry, especially the start-ups and scale-ups, seems like a good horse to bet on.

Written by Priyanka Sharma

Netherlands set to witness salary hike - boon for full-time workers or bane for small businesses?

Recent discussions over a bill presented by PvdA and GroenLinks which proposes the introduction of a minimum hourly wage have already become the talk of the town. In the Netherlands, currently, minimum wage is calculated on monthly basis and is the same for everyone irrespective of the hours worked.

The petitioners strongly believe that it is important to give even-handed treatment to all employees. They also proposed a 36-hour working week (base hours) as a starting point. This simply means that anyone who works more hours than the base hours is entitled to receive a salary increase. Furthermore, the petitioners are demanding that workers should be paid for the number of hours they work. The hourly rate is still debatable, but it will be the same for all employees. All these provisions will bring a sense of fairness to society. The Senate has apparently put a seal of approval on legislation that revises the current minimum wage system.

Until last year, someone aged 21 or over is entitled to a minimum wage of € 1725 gross per month for a full-time job. Per 1 January, the minimum wage rose to € 1934 gross per month, as a reflection of the recent increase in prices. This amount is considered to be the minimum that an employer is bound to pay fulltime workers. With the new proposed amendments, it is expected that full-time

workers will see a salary rise of about 11 percent. These positive changes will not just be reflected in Dutch salaries, but the Dutch tax system will also observe significant improvements. The Netherlands Trade Union Confederation (FNV) stated that, based on the new 36hour contract system, employees working for 38 hours should see their income rise by 5.5 percent, while those with a 40-hour contract will receive a hike of 11 percent.

Previously, the cabinet decided to execute the planned changes in the current wage system over the period of 2024 and 2025. However, with the Netherlands’ rising inflation rate and growing labour shortage, plans will be expedited. On one hand, this unprecedented change is going to be a blessing for employees, whilst on the other end employers, especially smaller businesses, are upset about the proposed plans. They argue that many companies have already used up their reserves to survive in times of Covid. At this difficult time, the employers were exempt from paying taxes, but now this liberty has been cancelled. With soaring energy prices, high inflation and costs of salaries rising, some employers even fear to be made bankrupt. Overall, 80% of small-business owners say their business’ financial health has been hurt due to various reasons such as Covid, inflation, workforce challenges and various supply chain issues.

A recent survey by Hogeschool Utrecht, ONL entrepreneurs’ organization and lender Qredits, it is projected that 7.4 percent of small business entrepreneurs are going to shut down their operations. They also expect that a profound impact will be seen in the hospitality and cultural sector. Entrepreneurs do not oppose the salary hike or new minimum wage system per se; they do empathize with workers who are having a hard time keeping up with inflation. As inflation soars, small

businesses will be severely affected by the new law, while major corporations are seen making great profits. The trade union wishes to implement the changes, keeping in mind some crucial factors such as a gradual increase in the minimum hourly wage, and suggests that companies should be compensated for the higher costs by paying lower premiums for unemployment benefits.

Written by Parul Sachdeva

Dutch digital payment and banking ‘leaving people behind’

The increasingly digitisation of the banking and payment world is leaving a growing and diverse group of people behind, according to findings by De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB). Its new report, from January 2023, called ‘Digitisation of the payment system: a solution for some, a challenge for others’, has revealed that around 2.6 million Dutch people aged 18 and older are struggling with the digital payment world.

The report was called a breakthrough by the Dutch Consumer Association, who said it reveals for the first time that the issue affects a large, diverse collection of people, which is on the rise rather than shrinking.

Among some of the most affected are the lower educated, people with lower digital proficiencies, as well as people aged above 75. Individuals in this group, estimated to make up one in six adults in the country, need the support of someone else to conduct their digital banking and payment affairs, mainly operating devices such as ATM machines and digital payment terminals, but also using online banking. They may find the language too complicated, experience time-pressure stress, have difficulties reading, or lack internet access.

The most-affected group concerns about 400.000 people aged 18 and older, who are wholly reliant on others when it comes to their online banking or payment affairs. This set of people, largely made up by elderly generations and lower educated, struggle with feelings of embarrassment,

powerlessness, anger, inferiority and sadness, and struggle to have to rely on others, according to the research.

There are also banking customers that do not wish to make use of digital services, perhaps through fear of making a mistake and losing money, or finding it too cumbersome or complex, or not trusting digital systems. Banks do offer some digital support measurements, but according to the DNB, they differ per bank, and are insufficiently known among customers.

The whole picture

As part of the increasing digitisation of banking services, banks have also been closing branches around the country, making it more difficult for customers

to visit their bank in person. It has been estimated by the Public Consultation on Payments that in 2021 only 726 branches were left, down from 2654 bank branches that existed in 2011. According to research by the Dutch news website NU.nl, the three largest Dutch banks ABN AMRO, ING and Rabobank had closed over a hundred other branches in 2022. Meanwhile ATMs have also been closing around the country, although since 2019, ATMs from the major banks have been merged into ATMs called Geldmaat, available on many high streets.

Dutch customers are also less and less able to pay in cash at stores, as discussed elsewhere in this edition of the Holland Times. In 2022, over 4% of retailers did not accept cash, said the DNB, which

monitors the situation yearly. The financial authority has warned that cash is an important means of payment, and that retailers should continue to accept it as legal tender.

In addition, the Dutch Consumer Association has also pointed out that the government and other authorities are also digitising their services, and that this digitalisation causes wider issues, threatening to exclude large numbers of people.

How to move forward?

The DNB and authorities such as the Dutch Banking Association (NVB) have stressed that in future, banking and payment affairs should remain inclusive, for example with physical contact and personal telephone support instead of chatbots.

Banks do recognise the issue, the DNB has stated in response to the findings, and the major banks are saying they cooperate with each other and with other organisations in a special “Banks’ commitment to more accessible payment systems” to do so. For example, they collaborate with libraries where bank customers can get help with their questions. With this study, DNB says it contributes to the “Action Plan for Accessible Payments” of the MOB, to ensure banks improve their services, better inform people about them and also detect the issues and find out how they can be remedied.

Written by Femke van Iperen

Paying by card only – is this the way to go?

According to a recent study by the research agency Lotus, conducted on behalf of De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), cash is no longer accepted as a means of transaction in many retail outlets in the Netherlands. In fact, since 2016, debit cards have taken over cash as the main method of payment.

For this research, 4,300 shops were visited in the month of December 2022, to see how customers were paying and whether the available means of payment were communicated in a manner that was understood by customers before making the purchase. The results confirmed the recent ongoing trend. Four per cent of retail outlets indicated that they only accepted debit card payments. The figure

was higher in some industries: 22 per cent of cinemas, 16 per cent of libraries, 16 per cent of parking facilities and 12 per cent of pharmacies only accepted debit card payments. The largest number of debit card-only retailers are located in major cities. For example, in places with more than 175,000 inhabitants, 6 per cent of shop owners only wanted debit card payments, compared to 2 per cent in places with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants.

What does this mean? DNB considered the acceptance of cash to be very low in many industries. ‘Cash is an important means of payment for smooth payment transactions and for ensuring that everyone can continue to participate. Vulnerable customer groups must also be

able to continue to pay,’ said DNB expert Esther van den Kommer.

To ensure that cash remains usable, it is imperative that retailers continue to accept cash as legal tender. Although cash is a valid means of payment according to European legislation, it doesn’t oblige retailers to accept it as a means of transaction. In fact, retailers can opt to accept debit cards only. However, this is not a new problem. In 2021, DNB sent a letter to the then Minister of Finance, Wopke Hoekstra, pointing out that measures had to be taken to maintain the option of payment with cash as much as possible. This report emphasizes the seriousness of the existing problem.

In order to alleviate the problem of managing cash transactions with banks, DNB signed a Cash Covenant with other banks, retailers, catering companies and petrol stations. In 2022, in fact, trade associations in the retail sectors already agreed to ensure that cash was still accepted in shops, although this clearly has not happened in all stores.

Where can customers still pay in cash?

There is still some good news for cashonly customers, since in one place they can always pay in cash: market stalls. DNB research found no signs at markets stall that required customers to pay electronically, after surveying 930 stalls in the country. Consumers in small villages

were less often forced to pay electronically, since shop owners are more open to cash in shops outside the city centres.

Why are more businesses shifting to cashless transactions?

For one, it is becoming increasingly expensive for retailers to process cash payments, as the bank fees to deposit cash are rising. Furthermore, the number of ATMs in the Netherlands is decreasing rapidly, so that most customers are now used to paying by card. Finally, handling cash seems like a risky business compared with a much more secure electronic payment system.

Communication on methods of payment lacking

Another problem that the research found was the lack of communication related to methods of payment in many retail outlets. In fact, one in three stores that only accepted debit card payments stated so only at the end of the checkout process. This causes problems for customers who have cash but don’t know that debit cards are the only acceptable method. Van de Kommer advises retail outlets to make this information clear at the entrance, so customers understand the accepted payment method beforehand. This could be done for example with a pin-only or cash-accepted-here sign, posted in a clear and visible manner.

Written by Stephen Swai

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Between a rock and hard place: Amsterdam city council and the Erotic Centre

In the sedate and affluent neighbourhood Amsterdam Zuid, residents do not get their feathers ruffled easily. When the urban planner and acclaimed architect Hendrik Berlage (1856-1934) designed ‘Plan Zuid’ in the early twentieth century, the city hoped the district would house residents from the impoverished, overpopulated and criminalized neighbourhoods of Jordaan and De Pijp, where they lived in in dark, dank and damp conditions. By moving the city’s poor to a new neighbourhood with spacious treelined avenues and esthetically designed Art Deco architecture designed by the Amsterdamse School, the city hoped they would become more law-abiding citizens. However, once Plan Zuid with its playful and unique use of yellow brick and red terracotta rooftiles was realized, Amsterdam’s upper and middle classes were also interested in living there, and the neighbourhood turn into one of the poshest and most desirable districts of the city. More than a hundred years later, it still prides itself on its upper-class residents, chic restaurants and upscale shops.

However, since Amsterdam’s city council’s decision last year to create an Erotic Centre in Zuid, to alleviate the city centre’s RedLight District of its tourists and criminal activities. The city council not only wants to make sex work safe for the workers, but also to reduce the number of tourists in the Red-Light District and make the city

centre safer for the residents. Therefore, similar to the early-twentieth century plans of moving the poor from the centre to another district, in early 2022 the city proposed relocating part of Amsterdam’s prostitution activities to one of eight locations, outside of the city centre, where they will be safer. The new Erotic Centre will facilitate 100 sex workers - women, men and LGBTIQI+. In early February 2023, the city announced and shortlisted three locations for the new Erotic Centre: near the NSDM wharfs in Amsterdam Noord, the green belt just south of RAI event hall, and along the Europaboulevard in Amsterdam Zuid.

Despite the city council’s good intentions, the residents of Amsterdam Zuid, but also of the other to proposed locations, are not happy with the prognosis of the seedy elements that tend to hover around prostitution. Across the street from the one of the suggested location in Amsterdam Zuid is a school with approximately 4,000 students. A stone’s throw away is Beatrixpark, a green oasis in the middle of Amsterdam Zuid, where children can freely play and locals can walk their dogs. Residents fear that an Erotic Centre in the middle of the neighbourhood will attract criminal elements, cause traffic problems, and even drive real estate prices down.

Residents near the NSDM Wharfs in Amsterdam Noord were equally upset that their neighbourhood was short-listed. In the last ten years the area has turned into

an upcoming hotspot for creatives, where trendy bars and restaurants have spouted up. Most businesses fear an Erotic Centre will not attract a desirable clientele.

On the one hand, the city wants to clean up the Red-Light District, reduce the amount of crime, make it safer for sex workers, and transform the area into a regular neighbourhood, while on the other hand the council is transferring the problems of the neighbourhood to another location. The only advantage of the current plans is that it would reduce the number of tourists in Red-Light District. In the meantime, the residents of Amsterdam Zuid are not taking the city council’s policy sitting down. To date, more than 6.000 residents

have signed a petition protesting the new Erotic Centre, arguing that it would disrupt the lives of the children in the neighbourhood, threaten the peace in Beatrixpark, and cause problems for the safety of passengers at RAI and Amsterdam Zuid subway stations. Due to the complexity of implementing the plan, policymakers suggest that it might take three to ten years before the new Erotic Centre is eventually realized. Amsterdam’s city council is scheduled to make a final decision in the fall of 2023. However, whatever the decision, the council is caught between a rock and hard place.

Written by Benjamin Roberts

Dances with Wolves in the Netherlands

After more than a century of absence, wolves have recently come back to the Netherlands. Since 2019, they started to settle in the country again and now their population is slowly but steadily increasing. However, along with their healthier numbers comes fear based on more frequent sightings, interactions with humans and attacks on livestock. A debate about the fate of the Dutch wolves has started, with different valid positions, promising to get more heated in the future. As discussion is based on a mixture of facts, opinions and emotions, there is a growing challenge for the government, institutions doing research and implementing policy, and society as a whole, to listen to all interested parties and design future plans for responsible cohabitation.

The European wolf was not seen in Dutch territory for 150 years. After populations started to resettle and grow in neighbouring countries during the 1990s and 2000s, possibilities for wolves coming back to the Netherlands finally went from speculation to reality in the past decade. The International Wolf Centre quotes a paper published in 2012 that explored the prospects of wolves returning to the country and theorized that, although the territory is densely populated, wolves would ‘still be able to find areas with low human disturbance and prey’. Shortly after, in 2015, the first wandering wolf was reported roaming through the provinces of Drenthe and Groningen. And in 2019, according to Wolven in Nederland, wolves settled again, and the first local pups were born in the Veluwe region.

A recent report from BIJ12, the institution responsible for monitoring and implementing wolf policy on behalf of the provinces, confirmed the presence of at least 18 wolves in the country, and said that during August to October of 2022, there were 101 confirmed wolf attacks on livestock, a number that rose rapidly. The data, gathered through CCTV footage, wolf excrement, paw prints and DNA research, suggests that the higher number of attacks may correspond to the arrival of new pups (the parents living in North Veluwe were involved in four attacks on sheep) and newly arrived wolves wandering in from other countries – who could either settle or pass through.

Wolves are a protected species, which means they cannot be harmed, killed or captured under normal circumstances. After the increase of attacks on livestock and recent sightings close to humans, a debate has sparked both at a governmental and institutional level, and for society at large, being especially heated on social media. On the one hand, there is a cause for celebration due to the successful return of a native species, a win for Dutch biodiversity and the natural environment. On the other hand, there is a sense of fear for livestock, pets and humans, and the feeling that there is just not enough room for people and wolves to cohabit safely. By the end of last year, minister for Nature and Nitrogen Policy Christianne Van der

Wal pointed out the conflicting interests in the debate and called for a broad, social dialogue, including all parties involved. She also warned that ‘the discussion is now based on fear and that is not helpful,’ NOS reported.

BIJ12 states that experience in other countries such as Germany and France shows that proper fences and guardian dogs for livestock are effective measures for disincentivizing wolf attacks, and highlights the work of Dutch provinces in financing such methods, as well as compensating owners for damage to their animals. They also recently incorporated a digital system for reporting wolf damage in order to increase the efficiency of institutional reaction to incidents. There is a need for other measures that include the general population, such as discouraging human interactions with wolves - who are sometimes lured with food in order to be photographed. Wolves are naturally shy, and these events make them more prone to come close to humans. As information and education are key to ensure fear management and encourage responsible behaviour, in 2023 the government plans to start a social dialogue about how humans and wolves can live together.

Wolven in Nederland highlights how extraordinary it is that wolves were hunted to near extinction and now have finally returned to the areas they once inhabited: ‘Wolves can live with us; perhaps we are the ones that need to learn to live with them again,’ they conclude.

Written by Juan Álvarez Umbarila

Pediatric heart surgery to be available only in Rotterdam and Groningen

Heath minister Ernst Kuipers is making a push for the concentration of pediatric surgical care for congenital heart defects in two centres, following years of discussion. Currently these surgeries are performed in four medical centers spread across five locations in the Netherlands – UMC Groningen, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, UMC Utrecht, UMC Leiden and Amsterdam UMC. In 2021 Hugo de Jonge, at the time Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, after consultations with several parties made a decision that pediatric heart surgery would be concentrated in Rotterdam and Utrecht only. The decision, however, was not well received, which led to an impasse. As De Jonge noted back then, the concentration would have several negative consequences for patients, healthcare professionals and healthcare facilities.

In the Netherlands, the prevalence of congenital heart defects (CHD) per 10,000 births is 77.45. This means that annually, in the Netherlands about 180 children are born with CHD. These defects range from simple to complex and occur in many types. Treating patients with congenital heart defects requires the involvement of a wide range of specialists including cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, pediatric interventional cardiologists, pediatric ICU nurses, and more. According to a report by the Dutch Healthcare Authority last year, there are ten cardiothoracic surgeons specialized in CHD and twelve pediatric interventional cardiologists working in the Netherlands, of whom some are heading towards retirement age.

The quality of care in all current pediatric heart surgery centers is at a good standard. Nevertheless, there are challenges to the quality and continuity of care in the near future that cannot be solved within the current care structure. The treatment of congenital heart defects requires complex and highly specialized knowledge. With the current distribution of patients, the specialists’ ability to adequately maintain and develop the required knowledge and skills remains limited. To put it simply, there are not enough patients to justify having this many centres for treating CHD. To optimize the survival rate, one centre needs to perform at least 60 surgeries on newborns (babies younger than 30 days) a year. This means that doctors at the centres currently do not see enough patients to learn and maintain the required skills.

In January Ernst Kuipers, the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, asked the Dutch Association of University Medical Centers (NFU) to choose two hospitals where pediatric heart surgery should be concentrated. On 9 February, the organization responded, endorsing the idea of concentration as a possible means of improving the quality of care and securing it for the future. However, the NFU was not able to provide an answer to the minister’s request of naming two centres. Therefore, minister Kuipers made the decision himself to only maintain the centres in Rotterdam and Groningen. This choice of centers ensures an even distribution of the accessibility of interventions for patients with congenital heart defects across the country.

The centers that are supposed to lose the license for the surgical treatment of congenital heart defects are disappointed.

Douwe Biesma, chairman of the UMC Leiden Executive Board, said that his institution objects and – if needed – will go to court. UMC Utrecht believes that it should keep the right to perform pediatric heart surgeries for the sake of ensuring proper care for the pediatric oncological patients at the Princess Máxima Center, as some of these patients require cardiac surgery, for example due to side effects to the heart and lungs resulting from cancer treatment. The NFU also underlined that mitigation measures are needed for the medical centers that will lose the license to perform pediatric heart surgeries for congenital defects. Moreover, as the Dutch Healthcare Authority points out,

closure of the departments may lead to closure of pediatric intensive care units and pose a risk to the regional availability of acute care.

As Kuipers outlined in an official letter, the transition period is set to take 2.5 years. Following the concentration, the centers that no longer do operations will still be allowed to perform check-ups, outpatient appointments as well as preand postoperative care. Erasmus MC and UMC Groningen expressed satisfaction with the minister’s decision and eagerness to intensify the cooperation with all parties involved, particularly the other pediatric heart surgery centers, to ensure accessible pediatric cardiac care.

Written by Zuzanna Kuffel

Practical courses in care and technology grow in popularity

The Netherlands is experiencing an increase in enrolments in vocational (MBO) healthcare and technology courses. According to statistics from the MBO Council, demand for practical training in technology or healthcare is growing fast. In Amsterdam, the energy transition is without a doubt a key driver for the growing interest in technology, newspaper Het Parool notes.

The number of people enrolling in MBO courses in care and technology in and around Amsterdam is rising. In 2022, enrolment at Tetrix Amsterdam, which provides MBO-level education and technology courses, increased by 20%. The number of registrations at the Amsterdam ROC Westpoort increased by 8.7%, somewhat more than the national average. NOVA College, with multiple locations throughout Noord-Holland, has also noted a rise but is unable to yet give specific numbers.

Notably, the increase in enrolments is not limited to pre-vocational secondary education students. There is a growing number of mature students, that is, workers who are seeking a new career, transitioning for instance from being a manager at a supermarket to an installer in the construction sector. According to Jeffrey Rispens, Tetrix’s representative for PR and marketing, an Occupational Guidance Learning Path (BBL) training is especially well suited for this target audience. In this set-up, students work several days a week as trainees for a business, while going to school only one day per week. Rispens explains that mature students frequently already have a household to maintain and require an income. For them, returning to school full-time is typically not an option. In the Gelderland MBO institution Aventus, over 300 students over the age of 40 began a BBL trajectory

last year – three times as many as in 2020. Most of them began in the technology and healthcare industries.

In 2022 compared to 2021, BBL courses in healthcare and technology increased by 8 percent. In the Netherlands, more than 19,000 individuals began practical training in the healthcare, welfare and sports sectors in 2017; 11,000 started in the ‘technology and built environment’ courses. The increase is even more notable given that the total number of MBO registrations decreased by 1.5 percent, which has not happened in years.

According to Eric Linthorst, chairman of the collective training businesses in the north and east of the Netherlands, ‘technology is presently gaining increasing attention, in part because of the energy transition and sustainability. Due to the personnel shortage, parents believe there is great career stability in the sector of technology. Also, technology now has a better reputation. It is currently viewed more as a pleasant blend of physical labour and mental activity.’

Considering the energy transition, Lyske Jolmers, head of marketing and communication at ROC Westpoort, explains that Amsterdam will need technical help if its energy goals are to be met in the future. Some mature students see working in technology as an opportunity to make a difference.

The popularity of the programmes is also influenced by shortages in the labour market. Individuals may readily obtain employment due to the high employment rates in both technology and healthcare. HBO students’ earnings in the healthcare industry sometimes fall short of those

in other industries, whereas MBO students have better starting incomes, according to Saskia Goedheer, a communication counsellor at NOVA College.

Written by Nicole Bea Kerr

At Kühler & Partners International Mental Health we provide psychological healthcare for Kids & Teens. We have a specialist team of child psychologists and a child psychiatrist, offering high quality care to children age 6-18 and their families.

We are there to support children who experience psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, stress due to major life events, low confidence and self-esteem, problems with attention, behaviour or emotion regulation. If these problems do not disappear by themselves and last too long, they may have an impact on different areas in the child’s life, such as family, friends and school. Therapy or counselling can help to find a way forward. We work together with children and parent(s)/families towards a healthier and better personal wellbeing.

After initial assessment, we offer individual therapy, parent- and family counselling. Our treatments are tailormade, short if possible and longer if needed. We are a multidisciplinary team of professionals with an international background.

If necessary or desirable, we advise or work together with schools.

Because sometimes you need a little guidance to

your way.

Amersfoort International School is starting in August!

International recognized curriculum for primary years

Amersfoort will have an international primary school: Amersfoort International School (AIS). The school will start in August and will offer English-language international primary education for children from 4 to 12 years old. AIS will be accommodated in an existing school building in the close proximity of the historic centre of Amersfoort, a city in the middle of the country.

Preparations for the start are in full swing. The Dutch ministry of Education, Culture and Science has granted a license, and the school will fall under the supervisory authority of the Dutch Inspectorate of Education. An experienced and committed team has been appointed. Jaap Mos is the project leader, experienced in establishing several international schools in the Netherlands and abroad. Jaap: “It is an honour to be involved in the start of this international school in Amersfoort. We notice every day that this will fulfill a need that has been around in the city for some time. Together with Eryn Wiseman,

I currently provide shape and content to the new school, which gives a great deal of satisfaction.” Eryn Wiseman has, just as Jaap Mos, a great deal of experience with various national and international schools and will be a class teacher and PYP coordinator at AIS. Jaap Mos will have the function of Head of School. In the coming time, Jaap and Erin will be working on filling the other roles in the school team.

IGBO school

AIS will be a so-called IGBO school (Internationaal Georiënteerd Basis Onderwijs-Internationally Oriented Primary Education) and will use the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP). IB programmes are focused on ‘education for a better world’. IB schools are characterised by their commitment to high-quality and challenging international education. AIS has already started the authorisation process to achieve the official title of IB World School.

Founded by KPOA, linked to De Kubus Amersfoort International School has been founded by Stichting KPOA which has 17 primary schools in Amersfoort and surrounding area under its umbrella. AIS will be linked to one of these schools, primary school De Kubus. The school will be accommodated in an existing school building of De Kubus on Noordewierweg 235. In the summer of 2023, the building will be renovated so that it reflects the vision and the educational programme of AIS.

Amersfoort International School focuses on children from the growing international community in Amersfoort and surrounding area. With the start of the primary school, KPOA fills a need in the city that has been in the city for some time. At the moment, children of internationals have to travel to the international schools in Utrecht or Hilversum.

More informationAmersfoort International School www.amersfoortinternationalschool.nl

For contact, please email contact@amersfoortinternationalschool.nl.

Dutch lessons for children: which lessons to choose?

In the Netherlands, there are several ways to learn Dutch or further develop learning the Dutch language. Different language schools offer different ways, and the forms of teaching also differ. Some providers work with ready-made teaching packages, others use one specific method and still, others let the child’s learning style be more leading.

There are larger and smaller providers, lessons are taught individually or in a group, and you can also choose from physical or online lessons. Which Dutch class best suits your child depends on a number of factors.

The advantages of having your child take Dutch lessons are numerous. Here are a few of them:

• Your child gets to know the Dutch language and culture in a deeper way than he gets to experience at an international school, for example.

• He can get along socially well in the Netherlands and, for example, follow his hobby or sport at a Dutch association.

• You open the opportunity for him to study in the Netherlands.

• And, of course, the enormous gift of multilingualism or adding an extra language to his multilingualism.

But, when looking for Dutch lessons for your child, it can be difficult to find the right kind of lessons for him.

These factors, among others, help determine which classes are most appropriate for your child. Here are the 5 most important ones explained:

1. the age

2. whether Dutch is a first, second, or third language

3. the degree of exposure to Dutch

4. the purpose of the Dutch lesson

5. your child’s learning style

1. Age

When you have young children, not every language school is suitable. You are then looking for teachers who are specialized in teaching young children. Short, playful, and interactive lessons work best for toddlers and preschoolers. Ideal for toddlers is physical lessons, and lessons in person. For preschoolers, both can work well: in-person or online. For older children ages 7-12, it is important to look at the extent to which the lessons connect to their experience today. And for children above 12 years motivation is key, and so are the subjects in teaching.

2. Dutch as a 1st, 2nd or 3rd language

Is your child learning Dutch as a first, second, or third language? If your child is learning the language as a second or third language, it is important to see how much experience a language school has with NT2 or NT3. For example, do they employ certified NT2 teachers? What kind of groups of students are they currently teaching?

3. Degree of exposure to Dutch. Consider the following points: - do you, or one of you, speak Dutch at home - does your child speak Dutch at school - does your child speak Dutch socially (outdoor play, sports, hobbies)

The degree of exposure helps determine what kind of lessons your child needs. In addition, the frequency and intensity of the lessons.

4. Purpose of Dutch

And this third point connects directly to the fourth point: purpose. Does your child want to be more socially proficient in Dutch, or should he also be able to get by in the Dutch education system? The goals determine what kind of lessons he needs.

5. Your child’s learning style.

How does your child learn most comfortably and best? Does he like to learn independently, or does he prefer to be taken by hand? Does he learn by reading and writing, or better by listening, or does he learn by pictures?

If he likes to learn by reading, writing, and instruction, a book-based method may work best. If he learns more by independent “discovery,” then a customized lesson would be more appropriate for him. Have a conversation with your child about it. His current teacher at school s also a fine resource: how does he see him or his learning?

With this preparation, the first contact with a language school will make it easier to see if they can offer the right kind of lessons to your child.

If you still find it difficult and would like to discuss the different opportunities without any obligation, you can. You can contact me Wendy van Dalen at info@ dutchforchildren.nl

Written by Wendy van Dalen Teacher and director of an online Dutch school for Children www.dutchforchildren.nl

Follow

us on instagram @dutchforchildren

The International Waldorf School of The Hague distinguishes itself through the integration of cognitive and artistic education. Children have a natural capacity to wonder and marvel at what they experience. The basis of our educational approach focuses on that curiosity in all areas.

We consider physical education, handicra s, art and respect for the natural world to be of equal importance to proficiency in mathematics and literacy. Our balanced educational approach addresses learning that occurs with the head, heart and hands.

Our school, founded in 2018, has been growing every year with the addition of one to two grade levels per year.

info@iwsth.org

In 2023-24 we expect to have grown to a complete primary school with two Kindergartens and Classes 1-6. Even throughout our growth, the school has and will remain small, with Kindergarten class sizes of 15 (up to 18 children on a temporary basis) and Class 1-6 sizes of 15 children (up to 17 on a temporary basis). Due to our small groups we are able to provide sufficient time, space and a ention for everyone.

www.internationalwaldorfschool.nl +31(0)707830030

Saturday, January 28

Saturday, March 25 Saturday, June 3 all 11.00-15.00

THE WORLD IN YOUR CLASS ROOM!

Education for a peaceful and sustainable future

UWC Maastricht is the leading international boarding school (for students 16-19 years old) in the Netherlands and is one of the 18 United World Colleges around the world. Our graduates receive an International Baccalaureate Diploma (diploma programme / career-related programme), which is recognized and respected by the world’s leading universities.

School overview

Gostudent GmbH

Oranjelaan 40

3844 AB Harderwijk

T: 06 10 02 43 37

W. gostudent.at

Dutch for Children

Geestbrugweg 72

2281 CP Rijswijk

W: dutchforchildren.nl

Young Expat Services

Laren

W: youngexpatservices.nl

T: 06 14 36 66 27

Eerde International Boarding School

Ommen

Kasteellaan 1

7731 PJ Ommen

W: eerde.nl

T: 0529 45 14 52

Types of education:

Offering International Education for students ages 4-18;including IPYC, IMYC, Cambridge Primary and Secondary, IGCSE and IBDP.

Amersfoort International School

Noordewierweg 235

3812 DH Amersfoort

W: amersfoortinternationalschool.nl

T: 06 57 25 70 60

International School Utrecht

Van Bijnkershoeklaan 8

3527 XL Utrecht

W: isutrecht.nl

T: 030 870 04 00

Types of education: International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme

11-16 year olds IB MYP (Middle Years Programme)

16-19 year olds IB DP (Diploma Programme)

The British School of Amsterdam

W: britishschool.amsterdam

T: 020 67 97 840

E: admissions@britams.nl

Early Years School (3-7), Junior School (7-11) and Senior School (11-18). Offer National Curriculum for England, GCSE and A Levels.

Haarlemmermeer Lyceum

Baron de Coubertinlaan 2

2134 CG Hoofddorp

Nieuwe Molenaarslaan 20

2134 AS Hoofddorp

T: 023 563 16 44

W: haarlemmermeerlyceum.nl

Haarlemmermeer Lyceum prepares its students for an international future by equipping them with the competences they need to succeed in a fast-changing and globalised world. This includes developing strong language skills, stimulating tolerance and understanding in a diverse and multicultural environment, and providing extensive opportunities to communicate and collaborate across geographic, cultural and religious borders. The school offers a Dutch as a Second Language Programme’ (NT2) for students with an international background.

International School of Amsterdam

Amstelveen

W: isa.nl

T: 020 347 11 11

Types of education:

The International School of Amsterdam, founded in 1964, continues to be a global leader in education for international understanding – inspiring our diverse community of students to learn and live with purpose. ISA was the first school in the world to offer all three core International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes—Primary Years, Middle Years and the Diploma—and the school serves as a foundational leader in the continued development of each programme’s global curriculum to this day. We have over 1320 students range from Nursery to Grade 12 who come from over 60 countries from around the world.

We offer a truly challenging IB curriculum that embraces global perspectives and respects the identity, experiences and aspirations of all of our individual students. At ISA we believe in developing minds, character and communities.

International School Haarlem

W: internationalschoolhaarlem.nl

T: 023-220 00 01

Types of education: 4-11 year olds: IPC and British Curriculum for English and Maths, IPC 11-15 year olds: MYP (International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program)

Candidate school for DP

Lycée Français Vincent Van Gogh Rustenburgerstraat 246

1073 GK AMSTERDAM

W: lfvvg.com

T: 020 644 65 07

International American section from the 6th year (CE2)

Optimist International School Hoofddorp

W: optimist-international-school.nl/

T: 023 303 59 24

Types of education:

OIS (ages 4 - 11)follows the International Primary Curriculum. Learning guidance is taken from the British National Curriculum for Maths and English. We also offer sport, music, art and dance based extra curricular activities. We currently have availability in all groups. New children are welcome throughout the academic year.

Winford Bilingual Primary School

Amsterdam:

Jan Luijkenstraat 29, 1071 CK Amsterdam

T: 020 751 6650

E: info@winford-bilingual.nl

Winford Bilingual Primary School

Haarlem

Korte Verspronckweg 7-9, 2023 BS Haarlem

T: 023 752 3090

E: info@winford-bilingual.nl

Winford Bilingual Primary School The Hague opening later this year

Curricula:

Dutch National Curriculum

U.K. National Curriculum

International Primary Curriculum

Languages of instruction:

All subjects taught equally 50% Dutch and 50% English

Workfield: Amsterdam and maybe

American School of The Hague

Wassenaar Rijksstraatweg 200

2241 BX Wassenaar

W: ash.nl

T: 070 512 10 60

Types of education by age or age group

Early Childhood Education - ages 3-6

years

Upper Elementary School - ages 7-10

Middle School - ages 11 - 4

High School - ages 15 - 18

Special Education - ages 7-18

English as an Additional Language

Learning Support

Enrichment

Athletics, Arts and Action Programs

Co-Curricular Program

Emphasis on Student Well-Being

English as language of instruction

Flexible start dates for all qualifying applicants

Offered diplomas:

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD) & Certificates

Advanced Placement (AP)

Combination of IB & AP High School Diploma

Europese School Den Haag

Houtrustweg 2

2566 HA Den Haag

W: europeanschoolthehague.nl

T: 070-7001600

British School in The Netherlands

W: britishschool.nl

T: 070 315 40 77

Types of education:

Junior School, British National Primary Curriculum

3-5 year olds - Foundation Stages 1 & 2

5-7 year olds - Years 1 and 2 (Key Stage 1)

7-11 year olds - Years 3 to 6 (Key Stage 2)

Senior School, academic programme

11-14 year olds - Years 7 to 9 (Key Stage 3)

British National Curriculum

14-16 year olds - Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage4)

General Certificate Secondary Education (GCSE)

16-18 year olds - Years 12 and 13 (Sixth Form)

Students choose from A-levels, BTECs IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) or IB

Career related Programme (IBCP)

Languages for education: English

Starting date for pupils: flexible

German International school

The Hague

Deutsche Internationle Schule

W: disdh.nl

T: 070 354 94 54

We include all levels from Kindergarten through Sekundarstufe II (student ages 3 to 18)

European School The Hague

W: europeanschoolthehague.nl

T: 070 700 16 00

HSV International Primary School

The HSV is an International Primary School offering international education at four locations in different areas of The Hague for children aged 4-11 years old. There is an international pre-school called Three Little Ships for children aged 3-4. Lighthouse Special Education is the international special school.

HSV International Primary School

KSS - Koningin Sophiestraat

T: 070 324 34 53

W: hsvid.nl

HSV International Primary School

NSL - Nassaulaan

T: 070 318 49 50

HSV International Primary School

VHS - Van Heutszstraat

T: 070 205 11 41

HSV International Primary School

VNS - Van Nijenrodestraat

T: 070 328 14 41

Lighthouse Special Education

LSE - Lighthouse Special Education

T: 070 335 56 98

W: lighthousese.nl

Three Little Ships Preschool

TLS - Three Little Ships Preschool

T: 070 335 56 98

W: threelittleships.nl

Type of education:

The HSV is an International Primary School offering international education for children aged 3 to 11 years old. The Mathematics and Literacy curriculum is based on the English National Curriculum. White Rose is used to deliver Maths lessons and The Power of Reading is used in Literacy, high quality texts are at the centre of learning. The International Primary Curriculum is used to provide rich cross curricular learning, the concept of international mindedness underpins the entire curriculum. There are specialist teachers for music, expressive art and physical education. English as an Additional Language (EAL) is available for children who are new or developing English. Dutch language and cultural lessons are available as part of the Host Country Language (HCL) offering. Jigsaw is used in Personal, Social and Health Education offering a mindful approach. Computing and Technology is an integral part of the curriculum. Children have the opportunity to engage in a rich cultural program which includes theatre and music performances and visits to museums and places of interest. Our Lighthouse Special Education classes offer education in a safe and stimulating environment to children with additional needs aged 5 to 13 years old. The school’s curriculum is based on communication, life skills, reading, spelling, language and mathematics. The academic programme is based on the English National Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum (UK), cross referenced with the stated learning outcomes for the Dutch Primary Education Curriculum . Each student works on their own individual learning goals and a range of educational material is available, including the Edmark Reading Program and Numicon. The students’ learning is enhanced through the use of iPads. The children in our Lighthouse classes may join the international mainstream classes as part of their individualised program of learning.

The Three Little Ships is our International Pre-School for children 3 - 4 years old. The curriculum is play-based and designed to develop the children’s communication skills, social skills, fine motor skills and early literacy and numeracy skills (if the student is ready). We focus on the children’s independence skills, self-help skills and help enhance the children’s own personal hygiene and to eat and drink independently.

Play is important for young children to learn skills that are crucial for daily life.

Introducing Linguaskill from Cambridge Assessment English

A computer-based, adaptive English test powered by artificial intelligence. Measure a candidate’s level of English for admission, progression over time or graduation.

Linguaskill is modular - test any or all of the four language skills: speaking, writing, reading and listening. Take the test at anytime or place, even at home, and results are available within 48 hours.

Therefore, we focus on different sorts of play, such as constructional play, fantasy play, messy play and play guided by the teacher so that communication, social and emotional development can take place. We also have an early intervention programme for very young children with additional needs

TISA

Lorentzkade 15 A

2313 GB Leiden

W: teddykids.nl

Harbour International Primary School

Graaf Florisstraat 56/58

3021 CJ Rotterdam

W: harbourinternational.nl

T: 010-4482266

The International School of The Hague

T: 070 3281 450 Secondary school

T: 070 3384 567 Primary school

W: ishthehague.nl

Types of education:

IPC in Primary

IBMYP from Year 7 to 11

IBDP and IBCP in Year 12 to 13

Lycée Français Vincent Van Gogh Scheveningseweg 237

2584 AA DEN HAAG (NL)

W: lfvvg.com

T: 070 306 69 20

International American section from the 6th year (CE2)

International Waldorf School

The Hague

W: internationalwaldorfschool.nl

T: 070 783 00 30

Types of education:

IPY

IPC(International Primary Curriculum)

IB

Nord Anglia International School

Rotterdam

W: naisr.nl

T: 010 422 53 51

Types of education:

IEYC

IPC

IMYC

IB

Rotterdam International Secondary School

W: riss.wolfert.nl

T: 010 890 77 44

Types of education:

Grade 6, 7, and 8: Foundation Years

Grade 9, and 10: Middle Years Programme,

IGCSE

Grade 11, and 12: International Baccalaureate

Elckerlyc International School

Leiderdorp

W: elckerlyc.net

T: 071 589 68 61

Types of education:

3-4 year olds IEYC

(International Early Years Curriculum)

5-11 year olds IPC

(International Primary Curriculum)

Elckerlyc International is a member of The Dutch International Primary Schools (DIPS). This means that our school offers international education embedded in a Dutch context; as such we operate within the framework of the Dutch educational system. Here at Elckerlyc, we believe education is much more than numeracy and literacy. It is also about responsibility, dealing with your own and other people’s

emotions, respect and communication.

We follow the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) in groups 0 and 1 and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) in groups 2-7

International School of Delft

W: internationalschooldelft.nl

T: 015 285 00 38 – Primary

T: 015 820 02 08 - Secondary

Types of education:

IBPYP (Primary Years Programme –International IBMYP Year 1-4 (extending year by year)

International School Het Rijnlands Lyceum

Oegstgeest

W: isrlo.nl

T: 071 519 35 55

We offer the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).

International School Wassenaar Rijnlands Lyceum Backershagenlaan 5

2243 AB Wassenaar

W: internationalschoolwassenaar.nl

T: 070-512 18 00

We also offering the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) 1 to 4 (Year 7 to Year 10).

International School Breda

W: internationalschoolbreda.nl

T: 076 560 78 70

Types of educationby age or group:

International Primary Curriculum (IPC)

International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP)

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP)

UWC Maastricht

Discusworp 65

6225 XP Maastricht

T: 043 241 04 10

W: uwcmaastricht

UWC Maastricht brings together young people from all walks of life to work together towards peace and a sustainable future. We offer international education to students (aged 4-19) in our Primary School, International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. At the moment we boast over 900 students of more than 100 different nationalities. At UWC Maastricht we equip them with the attitudes, skills and knowledge to live a meaningful and flourishing life. The UWC educational experience is about knowing and acting. We nurture an understanding of the world and its major challenges, and help students discover how they can serve others and make a positive contribution to society. For students aged 16-19 we also offer a residential programme on our campus.

UNIVERSITY

Leiden University

Leiden and The Hague

W: universiteitleiden.nl/en/education

T: 071-527 11 11

Types of education by age or group

Bachelor’s Programmes (after completion of secondary school 18+)

Master’s Programmes (after completion of a bachelor’s programme 20+) PhD Programmes

14 English-taught bachelors programmes:

Duration: 3 years

Languages for education: English (plus more han 30 programmes taught in Dutch)

14 English-taught bachelor’s

LANGUAGE SCHOOLS

Flowently language sessions

T: 06 4133 93 23

W: flowently.com

Live and online sessions for 1 or 2 people for all language levels, including civic integration and NT2 exams

With a private tutor, available in 100 cities, 7 days a week, 8AM - 10PM

Design your own Dutch course and learn what is useful to you

Language Institute Regina Coeli

T: 073 684 87 90

W: reginacoeli.com

Tailor-made language training courses in the following languages:

Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish

Centre Français-Néerlandais

Walenpleintje 157-159, 1012 JZ Amsterdam

T: 020 - 623 2074

W: centrefrancaisneerlandais.nl

- French courses on all levels, both online and offline, from native speaking professors. General courses, conversation courses and thematic courses. Private courses possible.

- Dutch courses for francophones, both online and offline, specifically catered to the needs and difficulties of the French speaking community.

- Courses by native Dutch professors

- Cultural events and workshops

New courses starting in May, July (summer courses), September and November

STE Languages

Aalsterweg 3

5615 CA Eindhoven

T: 040 245 28 60

E: info@ste.nl

W: ste.nl

- Group training at STE

Small groups, big steps. Experience the support and motivation from your group.

- Civic integration

Discover the Dutch language and culture. An effective preparative course for the civic integration examination and State exams.

- One-on-one courses

Maximum impact from individual training. Fully tailored to your learning goals.

- Tailor-made solutions

Customization in language training, insight into language levels and advice on language development.

- In-company group training courses

Language training based on cases from the workplace. An investment that pays for itself.

- Online Classroom

Always on the ball for digital learning solutions. Convenient for students that are not always able to attend a training session face-to-face and ideal for students who want to attend fully online programs.

Taalthuis

T: 023 305 03 05

E: info@taalthuis.nl

W: taalthuis.nl.

At Taalthuis you can follow courses at different levels both online as face-toface in a classroom. We aim to make learning a fun experience! Founded in 2006 Taalthuis now is a well-known language institute in the Netherlands for higher educated students. With lesson locations in seven different cities in the Netherlands, Taalthuis makes it possible for expats, au pairs and international students to learn Dutch all over the Netherlands.

Taalthuis uses its own course materials at the Beginner and Intermediate levels. During the courses you will be exploring all kind of interesting subjects and current topics. Each lesson takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. Besides that you need to spend about 5 hours weekly on homework. For the Advanced courses the lessons are 2,5 hours and the homework will be more. The e-learning is an important tool that helps you with vocabulary, pronunciation and provides you with challenging exercises.

Kickstart School

T: 070-360 78 60

W: kickstartschool.nl

- Dutch courses (All levels); Online and Face2Face; group and private courses

- Exam training Dutch NT2: Inburgering, Staatsexam Programme I & II

- English courses; general and communication; group and private courses

- English exam training: Cambridge, IELTS and TOEFL

- Chinese Communication and exam courses; group and private courses

- Company courses (Dutch, English, Chinese; Remote and Face2Face)

- Language training for children (4-18); Dutch, English or Chinese

Direct Dutch Institute

T: 070-365 46 77

W: directdutch.com

At Direct Dutch we are determined to help you achieve your Dutch language goals. Why not start now? Our online classes (from A1 to B2) offer the same format and structure as our classical courses. The classes are based on the direct method: they are highly interactive with a focus on communication. New words and structures are introduced by means of question and answer series. Dutch is spoken in class from the very first lesson (grammar will be explained in English when necessary). For our online classes we have changed the group size from 8 to 6. Reading and writing are taught by means of practical (homework) exercises.

British Language Training Centre BLTC

Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 328/E 1012 RW Amsterdam

T: 020-622 36 34

W: bltc.nl

Dutch Courses Amsterdam

Postjesweg 57 1057 DW Amsterdam

T: 0654-99 22 19

W: dutchcoursesamsterdam.nl

Taalhuis Amsterdam

Sint Nicolaasstraat 59 1012 NJ Amsterdam

W: .taalhuisamsterdam.nl

E: info@taalhuisamsterdam.nl

0031(0)23-3050305

info@taalthuis.nl

www.taalthuis.nl

EXPATS

LevelsA0-C1

Online/Face-toface Includingcoursematerials& e-learning Smallgroups

AUPAIRS

LevelsA0-C1

Online/Face-toface Includingcoursematerials& e-learning Smallgroups

INCOMPANY

LevelsA0-C1

Online/Face-toface Includingcoursematerials& e-learning

PASSIONATE ABOUT LEARNING

The International School Haarlem offers a positive learning environment where students (4-18 years) are encouraged to realise their full potential. Through internationally respected and recognised programmes we involve our students in meaningful learning. ISH is an IB World School for MYP and DP and, in addition offers the International Primary Curriculum to students in Haarlem and surrounding municipalities.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HAARLEM

Buitenrustlaan 9, 2012 BL Haarlem (Lower Primary)

www.internationalschoolhaarlem.nl

Schreveliusstraat 27 2014 XP Haarlem (Upper Primary)

Junoplantsoen 58, 2024 RS Haarlem (Secondary)

International education with a Dutch touch

• O ering IB Middle Years and Diploma Programmes

• Encouraging students to become creative, critical and re ective learners

• Exploring global challenges in a culturally diverse environment

• Broad and balanced IB curriculum prepares for Universities worldwide

• Near Leiden - between Amsterdam and The Hague

The IamExpat Fair returns to Amsterdam this spring

“Everything internationals need, in one location, on one day”

Internationals in the Netherlands are always on the lookout for helpful information and services tailored to their needs. Bringing together local businesses, service providers and thousands of expats from all over the world, the IamExpat air is an e citing opportunity for e pats to find everything they need, in one location, on one day.

Whether you’re new in the Netherlands or have been living here for a while, the fair is guaranteed to have something useful for you. With a broad range of different exhibitors, there’s something for everyone. Are you looking to connect with recruiters or for ways to advance your career? Do you need mortgage advice? Are you looking for a good school or daycare for your kids? Do you want to sign up for a Dutch language course? Or maybe you’re thinking of doing an MBA to grow your business or develop your career. Then the IamExpat Fair in Amsterdam 2023 is just the thing!

The Netherlands’ leading expat fair is back! At this free, one-day fair in Amsterdam, visitors can browse stands covering every aspect of expat life, from career, housing and education to family, health and leisure. The day is completed by a varied programme of workshops, presented by e perts in their fields, to allow e pats to dig deeper into the topics that really matter to them. Both the fair and the workshops must be booked in advance but are free to attend!

Recruiters will be on hand to help with career advice and match attendees up with vacancies, while Dutch language centres offer taster sessions and on-the-spot sign-ups. Mortgage brokers will be talking attendees through their affordability and the application process, tax advisors are there to answer any tax questions, and international schools and daycare centres will be more than happy to chat with prospective parents.

Whatever you’re looking for, the IamExpat Fair promises to be a fun and informative day for expats from all walks of life. You can schedule your day full of back-to-back workshops or you can simply browse the stands at a leisurely pace and mingle with other expats. And if you’re just interested in strolling and soaking up the atmosphere while gathering a few freebies, then that’s ust fine

Here are some of the many great reasons to visit the IamExpat Fair:

- Get advice on renting or buying property and securing a mortgage in the Netherlands

- Meet recruiters, browse job vacancies and find out how doing an M can transform your career

- Attend free workshops and presentations

- Discover expat-focused services and businesses

- Find the perfect Dutch language school

- enefit from special offers only available at the IamExpat Fair

- Explore international schools, tutoring and educational opportunities for your children

- Bring the whole family and have fun with the little ones in the supervised kids’ area

There’s even a food stand with plenty of delicious options for when you get peckish, so you can stay refreshed throughout the day, whether you’re hungry for lunch or a scrumptious sweet treat to accompany your tea or coffee.

Exhibitors at the IamExpat Fair

From language schools and tax advisors to wellness experts and recruiters, there’s something for everyone at the IamExpat Fair. Visit our website to see a full list of exhibitors already signed up - and that’s not all, because more exhibitors are being added all the time!

On the day itself, take your time browsing the broad array of stands, where you can talk to representatives from expat-friendly companies and organisations, pick up some flyers or business cards, or perhaps get your hands on some other freebies!

Attend a free workshop

Workshops and presentations on a broad range of topics, from the Dutch language to mortgages, will be running throughout the day at the IamExpat Fair. Admission is completely free, but registration is required for each workshop. The full workshop program will be announced in March. Our workshops are popular and tend to get booked out quickly, so sign up in advance to secure your spot!

A day out for expat families

There’s even a kids’ area for the little ones, so the whole family can attend together. While you’re making your way around the exhibitors’ stands and getting your questions answered at workshops, your children will be well looked after by qualified childcare professionals in the super fun kids’ area. What’s not to love?

The leading expat fair in the Netherlands

Since its launch, the IamExpat Fair has hosted more than 400 companies, run 200 workshops and welcomed more than 24.200 visitors from 150 different countries, making it the leading fair for internationals in the Netherlands.

About the venue

Visitors can easily reach the IamExpat Fair on foot, by bike, by car or by public transportation, thanks to its convenient and beautiful location in Westerpark. The venue is the historic Gashouder building at Westergas, the 19th-century gasworks turned culture park. With its raw industrial characteristics, super high ceiling and expansive interior space, this location has an unbeatable atmosphere. Built as a gas storage tank and nowadays renowned as an outstanding venue for concerts, festivals and conferences, it is arguably the most iconic part of Westergas and one of the most unique venues in the Dutch capital.

So, what better place for the leading expat fair?

Westergas has been home to the IamExpat Fair Amsterdam since 2015. We’ll be there all day between 10am and pm - and the first 2.000 visitors get a free goodie bag, so get on your bike! We can’t wait to see you on April 22, 2023!

Save the date for the IamExpat Fair Amsterdam 2023

Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023

Time: 10am to 5pm

Location: Gashouder at Westergas in Amsterdam

Entry is free but online registration is necessary:

www.amsterdam.iamexpatfair.nl/freeregistration/

Full workshop program to be announced in March: www.amsterdam.iamexpatfair.nl/ program/

The IamExpat Fair Amsterdam, 2023 is sponsored by:

Nyenrode Business University, Expat Mortgages, TOSS in Holland, UvA Talen - Language Center, ABN AMRO International Clients, Rotterdam School of Management, Welocate, Independent Expat Finance, Projob, Language Institute Regina Coeli, Corendon Village Hotel Amsterdam, Bynco and Westergas.

WE ARE ISB

creative, open minded, kind, inclusive, risk-takers, respectful, reflective, curious, passionate, imaginative, diverse, appreciative, multicultural, dynamic….

Many components make us who we are. At ISB there are endless possibilities to grow. We welcome students aged 4 to 18, providing primary and secondary education at our campus in the heart of Breda. Together we discover who you are and who you want to be. We create a place to flourish, where you belong, build friendships, learn, grow, and appreciate other cultures. We are part of something bigger: a school, a community, a bright future. We guide the citizens of tomorrow, passionate about creating a better world.

Be creative, be open minded, be impactful, be yourself, be ... Be ISB.

That’s cool: What is the role of pain in shaping a subculture?

In the 1970s, sociologist Dick Hebdige wrote Subculture: The Meaning of Style. He argued that alternative clothing and lifestyle choices are acts of political rebellion. For instance, mods in their tailored suits and emphasis on jazz ‘undermined the conventional meaning of ‘collar, suit and tie’.’ In other words, Hebdige highlighted that style is political, hence why it is so tied to music.

Then, in 1998, Baudrillard wrote The Consumer Society, arguing that one of late-stage capitalism’s unique aspects was the abstraction and signification of products it creates. asically, he argued that we never actually consume an object in itself. Instead, the object functions as a ‘sign’ that helps distinguish our position from others; it either signals that we are like them or that we are better than them.

To this day, these kinds of postmodernist Marxist frameworks remain the dominant method we use to make sense of various subcultures.

owever, it seems that a specific change has occurred over the last twenty years. pecifically, I would argue that subculture today is based on a shared and ambiguous pain (jouissance) rather than a political position.

A super-quick rundown of 21st-century subcultures

When I was growing up in the early to mid2000s, a post-90s version of heroin chic was it. Being more than a fashion statement or political position, the thin, pale aesthetic told the world what side of the motivation-for-life fence you stood on. Then, you had those kids who considered themselves in search of more authentic life experiences (made known by the i od filled with classic rock and the emos who would dress and act in a way that showed despair in how they related to the world. There were the skaters, the goths, the scene kids and on the list went. I am less well-educated on the subcultures of today’s youth, but from what I’ve

heard, the list is even longer, from VSCO girls to E-boys, TikTok influencers, aporwave, - op, and many others.

And…What is jouissance?

Jouissance is an almost obnoxiously convoluted psychoanalytic idea that originates in the works of Jacques Lacan. Simply put, it is those painful pleasures that go against our survival. The most classic example is the painful pleasure someone addicted to drugs or alcohol finds in their addiction. Jouissance is not suffering per se, but suffering is crucial to the experience of it. For example, suppose you are hungry and respond to that hunger by overeating. In that case, the satisfaction is less about quenching your appetite and more about enjoying consuming and exceeding your bodily boundaries.

In the case of the subcultures mentioned above, one can see how positions towards our ouissance, which are, of course, influenced by societal norms, political situations, and expectations) are at work. For example, heroin chic quite literally had substance abuse in the name, and the goal was to look as thin and weak as possible. The authentic rocker felt misunderstood and alienated; the emo-kids wore their sadness on their sleeves, broken bones were commonplace for skaters, goths were the original emo, etc. Instead of dressing and acting in a manner that spoke to a political system, we focused on that which disconnected us from our peers. If the trends had a message, it was I am different.

But, with that, there is a poignant act of selfresilience at play; we turned that which makes us feel most alone and isolated into a signifier, a tool for connecting us with others who feel the same pain. In so doing, the pain takes on a pleasurable and identificatory aspect.

Consider the e-girl Hence, I think if you are interested in

understanding how technology, societal changes, climate change, the pandemic, and all these immense collective events, are impacting us, we could probably find some answers in the subcultures of today.

Take, for instance, the e-girl and e-boy. E standing for electronic, this is a subculture of people who express themselves through internet culture, often characterised by heavy make-up, dyed hair and emo-esque fashion. They typically embrace a mixture of anime, gaming, punk and emo influences and are very much the present-day expression of what would have been the emo, goth or scene in the early 2000s.

However, unlike the emos of yesterday, the e-person only exists online. It makes e-girls and e-boys different from their subcultural ancestors; they are a purely internet-based identity. And with this, one can speculate that young people today, who have grown up in a technological and pandemic-filled age, are now creating subcultures and all of the pain and connection that comes with it, entirely online. If there is jouissance in that, it could well be the painful pleasure of isolation.

Written by Molly Fitz

here to find cherry ossoms in the Netherlands this spring

Yes, you read that right! Although tulips are a flower that is associated with the etherlands, they share the spotlight with cherry blossoms each spring. Cherry blossom season is a magical time of year in the Netherlands, with its vibrant pink and white flowers painting the landscape in a beautiful display of springtime colour.

This short-lived season, lasting only a few weeks from the middle of March to the end of April, is a much-anticipated event for both residents and visitors alike. Here are some of the best places to find cherry blossom trees in the etherlands.

ersen oesem ark herry ossom ark

The ultimate place to take in the beauty of the cherry blossoms is ersenbloesempark, located in the Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest.)

There are 400 sakura trees in this park, given to the Netherlands by Japan in 2000. It’s a great place to take Instagram-worthy photos, have a picnic, and take in the blossoms. It is a very busy place, so to avoid the most crowds, get there early!

useum ein useum quare

lthough much smaller than ersenbloesempark, Museumplein is still a beautiful spot to take in the

cherry blossoms. The famous Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum are highlighted in gorgeous pink and white petals. Make sure to spend some time in the i ksmuseum ardens, which is filled with greenery and other blooms.

utside Amsterdam

If you’d like to visit cherry blossoms outside of Amsterdam, you’re in luck! In The Hague, you’ll find cherry blossoms along ankastraat, rins Hendrikplein, and near the Peace Palace. In Rotterdam, Stantensingel in Rotterdam-Blijdorp or the area near the Euromast are the places to check out. In Utrecht’s Valkstraat Park you can also see them. n Ei sden, you’ll find cherry blossoms near Eijsden Castle.

The Netherlands is a great place to see cherry blossom trees, with numerous parks and gardens offering breathtaking displays of pink and white during the spring months. So grab your camera, plan a visit, and experience the magic of the Dutch cherry blossom season for yourself!

Written by Tracey Martin

18.03.23 -11.06.23

The Art of Drawing

74 drawings by Rembrandt, Bol, Maes and others, The Peck collection, Ackland Art Museum (USA).

Interview with an expat

or this edition s intervie e s oke ith Anne oo fit cho ten an e at to other countries ho orks ith a ot of e ats herse f e thought she ou d have some great insights for ne e ats coming to the Netherlands!

hat s your name and here do you come from an you te us something a out your hometo n country

My name is nne-Woolfitt cholten. was born in i verdal, a very standard town in the eastern part of olland, in the province of veri ssel. t is a rustic area with a focus on spending time with family and being outside.

here do you ive in the ether ands hat is one of your favorite things a out here you ive

’ve been living in ilversum for 13 years, with my English husband and two children. ilversum is very centrally located in the etherlands. There is very easy access to nature, but it is also easily connected to cities like msterdam and trecht.

hat s your o or usiness

trained in translation and teaching, focusing on Dutch, English and panish. spent a lot of time abroad and worked in the travel industry and education. started my own company 10 years ago, called T kameleon. developed my own simplified, logical and structured approach to teaching Dutch and Dutch grammar and have the privilege to have regular interactions and discussions with a variety of dynamic and interesting internationals from ndia, ussia, outh frica, Turkey, merica, pain, anada, srael, the , rance, ra il, oland, omania, taly, apan n fact, they come from all over.

hen as your first time in the ether ands hat ere your first im ressions or hat as s ecia a out that first tri travelled a lot as a tour guide all over the world, and each time came back to the etherlands, it made me reali e how fortunate am to be part of this culture. feel totally safe here as a woman. can be who am. ife is well organi ed, and find can trust people when they say they are going to do things. Every week talk to internationals who share their impressions of Dutch culture, and this gives me insight into what internationals notice about being here. We often talk about politics and the fact there are so many different political parties.

They mention the directness’ of the Dutch. f they can’t come to a meeting, or don’t agree with you, they will simply tell you. This can come across as being insensitive’, but it’s really not personal at all, but you need to get used to that approach.

They observe that Dutch women often wear very practical clothes, with sturdy shoes and eans, biking their kids around one in the front, one in the back , rain or shine. My students often comment that it is so refreshing to be here. ou can be who you are, it is a very equal society, children get a lot of freedom and responsibility. There is a good balance between work and private life. t is refreshing to be in this conte t.

hat is the nicest thing a out the ether ands Ho does this com are to your country

The freedom to be who you are, safety, and the fact everything is so accessible by bike, public transport and car. Even though it is a small country, the landscape has quite some variety.

esides the eather hat is your iggest et eeve a out the ether ands

’m not sure if this is ust the etherlands, but so many processes are now automated ou have to sign into multiple accounts to do anything, and this takes up time, is impersonal and often frustrating. The etherlands used to be more focused on looking after the less privileged and it feels like we are steering away from that.

o you have utch friends Ho do you meet utch eo e have international and of course Dutch friends. There is a huge network of sports clubs, choirs, arts and craft clubs. There is a network of voluntary activities, so there are groups you can oin to meet people. ottery classes, drawing courses, sports club, tennis clubs, cooking and sewing classes. o become a member of one of these local clubs, whether hiking or biking or making music. That is the meeting part. To become friends, you have to actively approach the Dutch and invite them for a cup of coffee, or to go for a walk, or invite them for a birthday party.

hat do you ike a out utch eo e hat don t you ike think Dutch people are very reliable and efficient. The trades people we deal with boiler repairs, builders ust get on with their ob without overcomplicating things. ut perhaps ’m lucky with this.

ometimes the focus may be on efficiency at the e pense of spontaneity. oing out last minute may not fit into carefully and fully booked agendas. That can be quite annoying. Even with my good friends, always send a message in advance rather than ust knocking on their door.

hat s your est advice for ne e ats to make friends

There are so many things to do in your free time. There is a network of sports clubs, arts and crafts clubs, voluntary activities. oin one of these groups to meet people

o you have a favorite restaurant in your city

We love to go to Mout, a bu ing caf restaurant on the main square, with several different small restaurants, where you order off one menu.

hat s your favorite utch store

love ema like all the basic necessities that they have, from socks and underwear, to pens, paper, electrical appliances, curtains, chocolate easter eggs, and small presents for friends. Every shop has the same sort of open feel, the design is good and the prices are reasonable.

hat do you ike to do on the eekends

oing to the aturday market in ilversum, being outside, visiting friends or entertaining them. unday breakfast with self-made croissants. oing to our very old sta’ standing caravan near Twiske north of msterdam where we wake up in nature and time seems to stand still.

ho is your favorite utch historica cu tura or famous erson ’ve always been a big fan of tef os. e is a singer-songwriter who is a master storyteller, touching profound emotions, who always seems to engage me with his wonderful music. ne of my favourite songs is k heb e lief’ hold you dearly , so please take a look at the lyrics and check out some of his songs.

hat ou d you recommend a visitor to do and see in your city and in genera in the ether ands n ilversum you should definitely go for a bite to eat at Mout. The film theatre is a nice place to visit, and the new oorhoeve bookshop. o for a walk on the moors or through the woods, easily accessible from the Mediapark or portpark stations.

eyond the big cities, you should definitely visit one of the five Wadden slands, to the north, such as meland or Terschelling. o by train bus and ferry, and then rent a bike to get around. nd you should definitely visit Maastricht, partly because spent ten years living there and love it, but also for its style, shopping, history and burgundy approach to life

hat is your favorite utch food And hat utch food do you dis ike love stamppot mashed potatoes, vegetables and sausage , a sturdy farmers’ meal for cold winter evenings. lease don’t give me haring’, raw herring with onions. They say one a day keeps the doctor away, two a day keeps everyone away. ’m not prepared to find out if that is true

o you ce e rate utch ho idays hich one is your favorite

We usually celebrate interklaas with family, with witty poems to tease each other, and sacks of presents, eating chocolate letters and pepernoten’, small ginger biscuits.

here do you ike to go out in your city ike ith friends or co orkers part from Mout, one of our favourites, we go to the talian restaurant Tiramisu, and the fantastic multiple ue inema, and once in a while to a concert in De orstin The ueen .

hat famous utch ace shou d ne visitors or e at definite y go see ou’ve got to see the Delta Works, at the eelt e ans centre in eeland, the huge defensive system that is keeping our feet dry. nce you see it, you reali e how important water management is for the etherlands. t gives you some insights into the history of the country.

ooking ack hat do you ish you kne efore you moved to the ether ands

My students often point out a couple of things. t is possible to learn Dutch, but it takes some effort. n a big city, make sure you have at least two if not three locks for your bike. ou really have to follow the driving rules speeding, parking, red lights , otherwise you will immediately get a fine.

hat are one or t o things you recommend to ne e at here in the ether ands

ind a Dutch buddy to do nice things with. Try to see the arrival of interklaas in your area second or third weekend of ovember , since this will give you some insights into this important Dutch social event, which has been the topic of discussion in recent years. Eat a stroopwafel steam-heated over a cup of hot coffee or try fresh poffert es mini pancakes from a market stall. nd finally, why not try some fresh haring. Who knows, you may turn out to be even more Dutch than am troopwafel steam-heated over a cup of hot coffee or try fresh poffert es mini pancakes from a market stall. nd finally, why not try some fresh haring. Who knows, you may turn out to be even more Dutch than am!

ritten y ar a homson

Patricia Piccinini - Metamorphosis | Kunsthal Rotterdam

So familiar and yet strange. Bizarre and cuddly at the same time. Kunsthal Rotterdam presents the first ma or solo e hibition of ustralian artist Patricia Piccinini (1965) in the Netherlands. The audience comes face to face with hybrid creatures that appear to be a mi of humans and animals hairy, fragile creatures embracing each other a vast field where you wander among thousands of fleshy flowers and mutated men hatching eggs. In a hyper-realistic way – with materials such as silicone and human hair –Piccinini creates almost lifelike, yet alienating sculptures. oung and old will be fascinated by this e hibition of iccinini’s surrealistic world. Her sculptures will move you in profound ways.

Piccinini creates futuristic stories in a parallel universe in which she e plores the possibilities of a future in which people, nature and technology can e ist in harmony. he uses art and science to envision a shared future, by creating large-scale, immersive installations, such as The Field with three thousand flowers’ that resemble animals, carnivorous plants and human reproductive organs. There are also intimate images such as Sanctuary (2018) in which two wrinkled, bonobo-like people embrace. With her hyperrealistic sculptures, video work and installations, she raises questions such as: what does it mean to be human ould take care of a creature that doesn’t look like me an we replace e tinct animal species with cyborgs

Until 4 June

Kunsthal Rotterdam

www.kunsthal.nl

The Rembrandt House Museum reopens with 30% more Rembrandt

n the heart of msterdam, you will still find the house where embrandt lived and worked for nineteen years. It is the house where he started full of ambition, but which he had to leave due to financial problems. early 00 years later, The embrandt ouse Museum is the only museum in the world entirely dedicated to this artist. Each room in embrandt’s house has its own story. Where he e perienced oy and sorrow, collected art and rarities from all over the world, educated his students, and received his

customers. From the house he looked out over a rapidly changing city. It is the place where he made his masterpieces. Where he became the greatest.

Nowhere in the world can you get closer to embrandt than in The embrandt ouse Museum. This spring, on March 18th, the museum will reopen with 30 more embrandt. s many as five new museum spaces will be added, including an epilogue room, an etching attic, and a third e hibition room. et to know the artist and his contemporaries via the new multimedia tour where you will follow embrandt’s life story, from his arrival as an ambitious celebrity artist to his forced departure due to an accumulation of debts. The museum centers around craftsmanship and visitors are invited to participate in etching and painting demonstrations. n the e act place where embrandt created his masterpieces, in his studio, you are invited to discover how the artist made his paint. t’s like looking over the artist’s shoulder.

Over the master’s shoulder

To celebrate the re-opening, the museum will showcase The Peck collection, a spectacular world-class drawing collection. In 2016, the ecks donated their remarkable collection to the Ackland Art Museum in the United States. o less than drawings from the collection, including several by embrandt, are e hibited here for the first time in Europe, in the very place where embrandt made his drawings.

These seventeenth-century Dutch drawings enable us to look as it were over the shoulder of embrandt and his contemporaries. This unique e hibition will be divided into seven chapters, which together answer the central question: Why did a seventeenth-century artist make drawings ’

A son, a father, a masterpiece

n 1 , embrandt painted his son Titus in his studio now part of The embrandt ouse Museum. embrandt portrayed his son ust as he observed him, staring dreamily, his thumb pressed into his cheek. embrandt’ captured him in loose brushstrokes, almost as a sketch.

Titus is one of embrandt’s most famous masterpieces and loved by the public. ow, four hundred years on, and especially for the reopening of the museum, Titus is back home for the first time.

Titus is ack ome was made possible thanks to the uitenkans pro ect of the Turing oundation and the ereniging embrandt.

The Art of Drawing

74 drawings by Rembrandt, Bol, Maes and others

The Peck Collection, Ackland Art Museum (USA) March 18 – June 11, 2023 www.rembrandthuis.nl

Rembrandt, Studies of Women and Children, c. 1640. The Peck Collection

Patricia Piccinini in her studio in front of Kindred, 2018. Photo Hilary Walker

Patricia Piccinini, Bootflower, 2015. © Courtesy of the artist and Boras Art Museum, Sweden

At Caesar Fitness + Spa Resort we have 5000m2 of fitness, wellness, and health facilities. Caesar is located in the city centre of The Hague on the Mauritskade.

Our motto at Caesar is: “Your body is your temple.” We offer a variety of activities for a healthy balance between sports and relaxation. Our members can train and relax in a safe and healthy environment. Thanks to our state-of-the-art ventilation system, our visitors always breathe in fresh and clean air. This system supplies us constantly with fresh outdoor air filtered through glass filters. Good air keeps us all in a good mood.

Our Body & Mind studio is a place to bring balance to your body, mind and spirit. We give different types of yoga classes. For example: Hatha yoga, Vinyasa yoga, Yin Yang yoga and many more. We can help you find the yoga class that suits you best. As a member you are free to explore all of them.

Next to yoga classes we also give different group classes in our aerobic studio, spinning studio and our swimming pool. They are fun, energetic and they keep you fit. We also have various Fitness & Sports activities. There’s a range of fitness equipment for beginner and advanced athletes, so there is always something to do for everyone.

At the Spa & Wellness area you can ease yourself in a soothing atmosphere. We have a hot whirlpool, a lovely swimming pool and different types of saunas to calm down. Our Beauty & Health offers a variety of massages that add to your well-being.

Did you know that we also have a Kidsclub? Our Kidsclub is for young children from three months old till four years old. If you have kids as a member, they are taken care of during your visit at Caesar Fitness + Spa Resort.

Caesar offers the perfect environment to encourage a healthy lifestyle. A place where you can take a moment to yourself or to have quality time with friends. We are open every day of the year. Being a member at Caesar Fitness + Spa resort adds to your well-being and health. Come and experience it for yourself. For more information, visit our website www.caesar-denhaag.nl.

Landgoed Denneholt | Veluwe

The Veluwe region: nature in the heart of the Netherlands

Endless ancient forests, sprawling views over heather, wild boar, owls and eagles, deer and even wolves… Even though this may not sound typically Dutch, this is what the Veluwe region in the heart of the Netherlands has to offer. With over 90.000 hectares of forest, heather and shifting sands, the Veluwe region is actually the largest connected nature area of Europe. It’s therefore not surprising that for decades this has been the most popular holiday area for Dutch hikers and cyclists. But where to stay if you’re looking for a boutique experience, and want to stay away from busy holiday parks?

A country estate on the edge of the forest offering five unique cottages

Landgoed Dennenholt (Dennenholt Estate) is located 1 km outside the small village of Vierhouten, at only one hour from Amsterdam, or 100 km from The Hague and Eindhoven. It sits just on the edge of the most desolate, untouched, quiet (and at night darkest) heart of the Veluwe region.

This family-owned estate offers five boutique holiday cottages. Each unique in size and style, they all offer a level of modern comfort and luxury to make perfect spots for shorter or longer stays in any of the four seasons, for families, groups or romantic couples. The owners pride themselves on their personal approach, diversity and inclusion, welcoming guests of all walks of life, while ensuring privacy during their stay.

The owners have gone to great lengths during the recent renovation to keep the traditional darkened pinewood-paneled exteriors, perfectly matching their forest surroundings. Inside, the cottages have been renovated to a high standard, setting them far apart from holiday parks: a fireplace, fully equipped kitchens with proper ovens, quality beds and linen, luxury bathrooms and Molton Brown amenities; most even have a large bath. Truly a boutique experience.

Ranging from a romantic hidden cabin, a tiny house, an elevated wooden design studio with panoramic views into the forest, to a family home with multiple bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms, Dennenholt estate caters to every guest’s needs. It’s not surprising that many guests keep coming back as their family expands.

Hikes and bikes

Right on the doorstep, a maze of trails starts. The area is heaven for those who seek to explore the forest and heather on foot, with a large variety of short or long walks - either signposted, guided by a local nature guide or by yourself using a hiking map and personal suggestions the proprietors provide to every guest.

Prefer to get on your bike and cover some more ground? Here, in these forests that are often over 200 years old, you can roam free on old country lanes and paths, or venture onto the royal hunting grounds of the King’s estate between Vierhouten and Apeldoorn.

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Home cooking and fine dining

While all of Dennenholt’s holiday homes’ kitchens provide a full-fledged kitchen for home chefs amongst us, there are plenty of culinary delights nearby too, ranging from variety of restaurants in the nearby village to Bib Gourmand and Michelin-starred restaurants in the wider area. Are you looking for a local gem? The owners are in the know!

www.dennenholt.com

The Movies is reopening after two years

After being closed for more than two years due to a major renovation, The Movies will reopen on 13 March. The oldest movie theater in Amsterdam had to close in December 2020 due to the Covid lockdown, but has not been open since. The cinema had major problems with the foundation, caused by subsidence on the Haarlemmerdijk. This was already discovered in 2018, when it turned out that the five separate buildings that house the cinema were no longer in a straight line in relation to each other. There were also cracks in the walls, and the toilet doors had to be resized constantly because they wouldn’t open or close.

Brand new art deco wallpaper

The entire foundation has therefore been renewed in the past two years. Many classic elements from the oldest cinema in the city have also been renewed: a completely new carpet has been laid and the walls have been covered with brand new art deco wallpaper. In terms of atmosphere, therefore, as little as possible has changed. The main hall of the cinema, which has a monumental status, has been renovated with the help of a crowdfunding campaign that raised more than 90,000 euros. Those who donated could choose, for example, a piece of the original carpet in return.

New bar installed

Now that The Movies has been renovated, investments have also been made in making the cinema future-proof. A new air system has been installed, and the seats and screens have been improved. The restaurant

has not returned: a brand-new bar has been set up in its place. The first films will start showing on Monday 13 March: ticket sales are already open the website. themovies.nl

If you are looking for a school that helps your child become truly bilingual, curious, independent, with a sense of community and a love for learning – then Winford Bilingual is for you!

We are a private Dutch school which offers the highest quality bilingual education in Dutch and English. Our dual immersion approach means that all subjects are taught equally in these two languages throughout the day. Our aim is for your child to be fluent in both languages, rather than just competent.

We follow 3 curricula: The Dutch national curriculum, the U.K. national curriculum, and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). With our small class sizes, two native speaking teachers per class (one teaches all subjects in Dutch, and the other all in English), and our comprehensive curricula, students have the option of choosing a Dutch or an International/English speaking Secondary School.

• Small class sizes

• Mixed aged and multi-level classrooms

• Flexible holidays

• Home-made warm lunches

• A mix of International and Dutch students

• Two locations – Amsterdam and Haarlem

• The Hague Bilingual opening soon

See you at the IAMEXPAT Fair Amsterdam

Ajax & PSV crash out of Europe

Jurriën Timber stands at the edge of the Union Berlin box. Timber is not a small man by any means, he stands at 1.7m, but he is a typical defender bred in the Ajax academy, where deftness is preferred to hulking physicality. By contrast, Daniho Doekhi has a gladiatorial density about him, like not even the vicious winds of a tornado could knock him from his stride.

In the 50th minute of their second leg Europa League Play-off match against Union Berlin, it is Timber’s job to stop Doekhi getting anywhere near the ball, by whatever means necessary. Berlin rightback Josip Juranović swings in a high ball towards the back post, Timber tries to stop Doekhi’s run by cutting across him but he powers through like a bull sprinting at a paper wall. His head connects with the perfection of magnetism and the ball flies into the top corner. And with that blistering header, Ajax are out of the Europa League.

While Ajax’s European campaign ended with chaos, no hope and a red card for Edson Alvarez, PSV’s tie against Sevilla ended with chaos and a red card for Mauro Júnior that removed any slight sense of hope that was hanging in the Eindhoven air. PSV had gone into the second leg of their play-off 3-0 down, having been outplayed by Seville at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium. They hadn’t fared much better at the Philips Stadion, with PSV’s front three attacking with all the incision of a blunt butter knife. Then in the 77th minute, a lucky bounce followed by a toe poke from veteran striker Luuk de Jong sparked a semblance of life into the team. This was followed by a Fábio Silva goal in the 95th minute to give PSV a brief glimpse of extra-time in the distance before the match devolved into

repeated, desperate fouls from the home team, leading to Mauro’s sending off. Things then turned seriously ugly when a PSV fan invaded the pitch and attacked Sevilla goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović. Luckily the attack failed and Dmitrović was completely unharmed.

The failure to progress to the knock-out rounds of European football’s second club competition is emblematic of two clubs entering into a transitional phase of their development. Ajax are coming to the end of a cycle that has played out repeatedly over the last 40 years of their history. Every five years or so, Ajax’s academy will nurture a generation of players that can dominate Dutch football for a few seasons before being sold for major profit and allow the cycle to begin again. This generation - which includes Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch - have won three out of the last four Eredivisie titles (discounting the Covid-cancelled 20-21 season), two KNVB Cups and most notably, the 2019 Champions League semi-final. After the loss of their manager Erik ten Hag to Manchester United in the summer, and sacking his replacement Alfred Schreuder after less than six months, it could be the case that Ajax will be in a state of rebuild for some time.

This would historically be the time when PSV would take their turn dominating Dutch football, but things might not be so simple. The club hired the legendary Ruud van Nistelrooij last year for his first job in senior management and there have inevitably been teething problems. The club are six points behind Feyenoord in the title race and are currently outside the European qualification positions. There are no legitimate reasons to panic, but

this is football, where panic grows like mould in flooded houses. If this were to be how their season finished, the pressure on the PSV board to fire the club idol would be seismic.

Dutch football will always struggle on the European stage, for the simple, depressing reason there is little money to be gained from the Eredivisie, so that clubs just cannot compete with the European powerhouses. What we are seeing now though, for the first time in the 21st century really, is the nation’s two biggest clubs unable to capitalise on the other’s periodical decline. How this will play out on a national and continental level is difficult to predict, but maybe this is a good time to be a Feyenoord fan.

Written by James Turell

HOME SWEET HOME LUXURY LIVING IN AMSTERDAM-ZUID

Imagine…

Living in the greenest suburb of Amsterdam. A quiet, green oasis in the busy capital. You can relax and exert yourself when you want to, not because the environment is chasing you. ere is plenty to do for every age, and the o er is wide, from activities in Amsterdamse Bos to shopping at Gelderlandplein which are both in -very- close proximity.

is could be your new reality when living in Q Residences, Résidence L’Etoile and Résidence La Palissade. Each home excels in luxury design choices, including a high-quality kitchen and tiled bathroom(s) creating a comfortable atmosphere. With apartments varying from 62 to 200 square meters, you will have ample space for you and your family.

All o er underground parking, yet each building has their own unique facilities. And we haven’t even mentioned the amazing views yet. ose, you nééd to see for yourself!

If you would like further information about the apartments, availabilities, or book an appointment with the letting agents, please visit our websites:

Résidence L’Etoile | www. letoileamsterdam.nl

Q Residences | www.q-residences.nl

Résidence La Palissade | www.la-palissade.nl

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